Psalm 39:4
“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is.”
Just the other night my family and I were enjoying our first bike ride of the season; this was a pretty big deal given it was only early April in Minnesota and we were not buried in snow! Our plan was to bike our usual 4 mile loop along the Mississippi River, stopping half-way to let our boys play at a park. However, as the sun began to fade and the temps started to drop we realized that our time at the park would be short lived at best.
When my husband stopped about a half mile from the park to adjust our youngest son in the bike trailer, our older two boys and I raced ahead to the park. Speeding ahead of me and cutting across the grass, the boys hopped off their bikes when they reached the play equipment. Looking at the setting sun, I called out to them to hurry, explaining that once Daddy and Jude caught up to us we would have to leave. Understanding the short timeframe, my five year old slumped his shoulders and began to shuffle to the park. Seeing his demeanor, I called out to him, “Luke! We don’t have much time here, so don’t waste it; get going!”
No sooner had those words left my mouth than I realized just how true that statement is of life. In reality, our lives our nothing more than a breath. God has given us one shot at this thing called life. Don’t waste it.
The idea of not wasting my life is often in the back of my mind. The thought of reflecting back on my life some day in the distance future (if I am so blessed) and feeling that I missed what God had for me to do drives me to be obedient to follow His lead. I am convinced that God has an amazing plan for each one of us and that we will feel most alive in this life when we are living His purpose for us. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
The details of not wasting our lives will look different for each of us, but here is what I do know. Not wasting your life begins with having a personal relationship with Jesus. Without that, there is no way you will be able to experience your best life. Once you know Jesus, seek Him for direction and then begin to take steps of faith. Follow hard after Jesus each and every day and you can be certain that you will not waste your life.
Remember, we don’t have much time here, so don’t waste it; get going! …
Amen. I can hear Jack in the back of my mind telling me he is sure God gave me 25 hours in each day 🙂
I stumbled onto your website and I read the blog for that day. I then
decided to go and read another day and I picked this one. Once I read it
I realized this is what I needed to hear~ I am wasting my life~ Every since
I was sick 3 years ago, I have made excuses for everything. Yes, I am handicapped but I can still walk some with a walker and I can drive.
I just always seem to be here at home doing nothing except watching
T V, being on the computer, or sleeping. I am wasting my Life! I need to get
up and go, not all the time, but so much more then I do. The Lord gave me
a second chance at life 3 years ago, now I have to wakeup and not waste it. Thanks Lynn or reminding me!
Angela – so glad you found the blog! I am thrilled to know that God spoke to you through this post! I can’t begin to understand what it must be like to live with the physical issues you have had to face; but I think you are absolutely in right in that God has given you a second chance at life – and He no doubt has a great plan and purpose for you!! Can’t wait to see how the Lord uses you as you faithfully follow Him! Praying for you now!